Two Eggs

Two Eggs

No matter what is going on in my life, I never want to overlook moments of sweetness that surface in unexpected moments. Two weeks ago Morris and I were guests at a corps. The vibrant worship and large number of children and youth who attended inspired us. We were privileged to be there. As the service concluded, we were shaking hands at the door when kindness met us with a purity that quickened our hearts with humility. In the midst of a long line of soldiers greeting us with their warm handshakes and ‘Ahsante Sana’, a lady gently reached into her purse and placed a fresh egg in each of our hands. We were speechless. A fragile token of appreciation carefully brought from home and watched cautiously so that it would not be broken, was now tenderly given to us with the warmest smile of gratitude. These foreign leaders had come to be with her people that day and she was grateful.  How could we respond adequately? We returned her gesture with a soft touch and a ‘thank you’ that was surely insufficient. Two eggs. The widow’s mite. We had never received such a sweet expression of gratitude. We would not forget.

It is not the size of your gift but the measure of your heart felt intention that truly matters.  Giving when only God knows the sacrifice. An offering that blesses another is not equated with size. Or maybe it is.

Luke 21:1-4 (The Message) “Just then Jesus looked up and saw the rich people dropping offerings in the collection plate. Then he saw a poor widow put in two pennies. He said, “The plain truth is that this widow has given by far the largest offering today. All these others made offerings that they’ll never miss; she gave extravagantly what she couldn’t afford—she gave her all!”

First blog of the new year - thankful and possible

January, 2018

Where to begin writing in a near year? I can’t seem to shake two words ruminating in my head and heart - thankful and possible.

A spirit of thankfulness should never wander far from any of us.  Regardless of the imperfect, flawed, struggling world around us or the truth of personal pain, frustration, or sorrow, a vacuum of thankfulness must never reside. Gratitude feeds the body, mind, and soul and keeps us well.

Rising to the surface for me in my list of thankfulness includes:

·       Conviction that an invisible God is present always, even when I don’t feel Him or hear Him.

·       A family who are well and love each other.

·       Good health.

·       Friends who keep in touch and those who inspire me.

·       Visits back to Canada and the support making it possible. Plus those who made the long journey here to spend time with us.

·       The anticipation that our children and grandchildren are coming to Kenya this year!

·       The stretching of our faith and a trust, though sometimes weak, that enable us to lead, learn, and live while facing and accepting our limits.

·       Lots of reading because we’ve chosen to live without television. Great blessing!

·       Unexpected surprises – another Canadian and finding turnip. J

·       People who pray for us.

·       The truth that it’s okay to have questions without answers, pain without balm, and sorrow without comfort (phrases borrowed from Ted Loder), but it’s never okay to be silent when injustice is present or to ‘pass by on the other side’ when a neighbor needs help.

·       Face time and Skype

·       And so much more … oh yea, that I only had one episode of a lizard in my bed!

Let thankfulness prevail, Lord. Every day of this new year.

And what of that which is possible? A new year, laced with uncertainty. What lies before us? Only God full knows.  I cannot see. He can. He does. Where will I participate most fully in what is right and good? Who will I help? Who will help me/us? None of us live without the need of others. We were made for community, not isolation. We are interdependent.  Whose path will I cross this year? Who will be the Samaritan woman that I can converse with when I’m sitting by the well, living out my every day routines?  What prospects are mine to be kind, compassionate, and grace filled? I don’t want to miss them.

 I was given a gift for Christmas - a new Bible. It’s called “Introducing God’s justice”.  It comes with an invitation to read the Scripture to discover where God meant justice to prevail, his invitation for us to join Him in the same mission and to find our own story in God’s restorative plan.

I began my Bible reading at the beginning – not a bad place to start. J Already in Genesis I’ve been reminded of God’s grace and judgment, judgement and grace – a recurring cycle. God always has room for redemption. He banishes Adam and Eve from the garden but then clothes them with a garment to cover their shame. Cain is judged for killing his brother but is protected from the wrath of others. The earth is wiped out by a flood but restored through a man named Noah.  He is a God of second chances. I’ve known that many times in my life. I’ve seen it here in Kenya too - second chances for prostitutes, street boys, those who are poor, lonely, mistreated and broken.  And often those second chances happen through God’s people who are simply willing to be attentive and engaged.  There are countless opportunities and possibilities to dispense grace and increase redemption in our fallen world.  And you don’t have to be such a perfect person to be part of making it happen. Neither Adam and Eve, nor Abraham, nor Noah were spotless. Their flaws were quite apparent.  Evidently God isn’t waiting for the unsoiled, faultless. He simply waits for the willing. And perhaps, the thankful.

Happy New Year to all of us in 2018

Homeless No More

December 20, 2017

Homeless no more … someday

Homelessness always seems sad to me. Morris and I declare emphatically “our home is our refuge.”  A warm space where being yourself is just fine.  A table that welcomes you, a comfy couch to rest, a habitat to play games, watch TV, read or just chat. It’s a corner of the world where people matter above all.  It’s private, inviting, and smells good. How many times have we been travelling, only to return with “It’s so good to be home!”

To have no home seems unfair. Unjust.  Unsettling. It’s often baffled me that Jesus began his life as homeless. There was no room in the inn. No place for a mother to comfortably bear her first born baby. Not even one room. It was a barn.  A home for animals, not humans.  A cow’s feeding trough instead of a basinet cradled the infant.  I think of the birth of our second grand child this year.  Erica and Jeff chose a home birth.  In the cosiness of their bedroom with the sweetness of familiar surroundings, Oliver arrived late one April evening.  Snuggled up in the next room was big sister, Anna-Lynne.  It was wonderful for them - pretty perfect. What a contrast to our Saviour’s birth.

If we believe that God planned for the incarnation of His Son, undoubtedly he prearranged every detail. What did God have in mind when he sent His greatest gift to the world in such conditions? David Jeremiah in his book, Why the Nativity, ponders it too.   “If God could mobilize a star from a distant galaxy to invite wise men from the East, couldn’t he make one humble room available?” For some reason, God designed a form of homelessness for Jesus, beginning with his birth.  The delivery room was a seedy shed and, not long after, his parents were forced to take Jesus on the road, escaping the tyranny of King Herod. They became refugees. Home would not come easily for the son of God.

This was just the beginning. Follow his story, and it was perpetual for Christ.  At the age of 12, Mary and Joseph took him to Jerusalem during the Passover. Instead of returning home with his family, Jesus wandered off.  This time the Temple, not a house, was his comfort place. Later, when people were eager to follow Jesus, he made no promise of domestic security should they choose to be on his team. Luke 9:58 “Foxes have dens to live in, and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.” Would homelessness be one of the costs for these new followers? It’s a bit of a mystery. 

I wonder. Is it God’s intention that one of our greatest comforts, home, is something we should not cling so tightly to that we forget those who are without it? Are Christians meant to intentionally associate and empathize with those who are displaced, those who drift without a roof to call their own? I think of our boys program adjacent to THQ, young men whose life’s circumstances have resulted in them living on the streets.  Last week we celebrated that four of the boys would make it to high school this year because of the investment the Salvation Army has made in them. Five days a week they trek to the house next door to receive academic instruction and a small meal. It isn’t providing a permanent dwelling, but it is helping.

Since living in Kenya, I have seen many homes that are far from luxurious, poles apart from the average North American dwelling.  It is essential that everyone secures a home lot, including space for growing food and a resting ground for your remains when you die.  It is their guarantee of somewhere to retire and a plot for burial. Some houses have mud floors. A large number have outdoor toilets. Many have no electricity. Almost all have a mobile kitchen, cooking outside on an open fire. But these homes are just as important as any Canadian bungalow.  And people take pride in them. One of the few similarities at Christmas time here is that on Christmas Day, families gather to feast together. Not turkey though – it’s chicken, goat, or a cow.

There is no question.  A home is a good thing. And while Jesus was born homeless and lived an itinerant life, one of the exciting promises is when the end of time comes and all of creation is fully reconciled, there will be a home for everyone!  John 14:2 “In my Father’s house are many rooms … I am going there to prepare a place for you.”  Space for all!  When God’s Kingdom is complete, not only will there be ‘no more sickness, no more pain, no more crying’ and not only will all the streets be paved, but finally homelessness will be no more.

Happy Christmas everyone!

Let's celebrate - Christmas and school!

Four boys are off to high school …

Christmas Questions

Christmas and some gnawing questions

Advent and Christmas 2017 takes a twist for us.  For years, our calendar filled up with familiar seasonal activities, outreach to needy families, personal preparations, and always wondering if we will have snow on December 25. While stationed at Grand Falls Citadel about ten years ago, the meaning of Advent especially deepened for us during our Sunday morning worship times. The message?  Christ, light of the world, remains unshakable as we learn to ‘wait’ for God to fulfill His promise. Here in Kenya, observing Advent is not a particularly common practice, so we introduced it to our THQ family. We’ve made a wreath from an old Christmas tree and found some candles to use.  In a country where uncertainty is always just below the surface, it was appropriate to begin our reflections with the candle of HOPE.  

At home, we placed our miniature tree and modest decorations (less is more!) in the corner of our living room while sipping a cold beverage in shorts & t-shirts (a first). Our special ornaments still reflect what we value most – family and friends and the handmade wooden Nativity set (a gift from Sherman & Dona Stryde) points to what’s important.  We confess we are still adapting to the absence of planning and enjoying our family gatherings this month– though grateful we had Christmas Day in October! J And happy that Don and Denise are coming on Dec. 23.

Last week, I reached for one of my favourite Christmas books by Stormie Ormartian. The short chapters echo how God fulfilled his Genesis promise to provide a Saviour for fallen humanity.  As I read again what happened to Zechariah, I began to stir a little and in the midst of all I know to be true, some gnawing questions caused me to wonder …

Biblical text: Luke 1

Why does it sometimes look like God treats people differently?  I know He doesn’t but the appearance occasionally surfaces. Why was Zechariah punished when he doubted and questioned God but Mary wasn’t?  When an angel told Zechariah that Elizabeth would bear a child (the forerunner to Jesus), he was afraid (‘gripped with fear’) and asked: “how can my wife possibly become pregnant when she has been barren for years and is now very old?” Logical inquiry. When the angel emerged later to Mary announcing her pending conception, she also responded with fear and unbelief.  “How can I conceive when I am a virgin?” Yet, Zechariah was given a silent tongue for the whole of his wife’s pregnancy - more than a little embarrassing if you ask me. He was a priest and speaking was essential, wasn’t it? At the same time, Mary’s doubting was left as it was. I know it wouldn’t be easy for Mary to face her situation and her community. She would be ridiculed and potentially ostracized.  No doubt that was more than enough to contend with, but why the consequences for Zechariah?

What did the priest do to deserve this? Simply question God? In character, Zechariah is an upright, faithful man, even blameless. So why this? Is the whole conversation not recorded? Did his bewildering escalate into a further argument? Was God really punishing him for some sin? One scholar suggests Zehchariah’s question was one of needless doubt when he should have truly believed, but Mary’s question was simply childlike faith with a normal query “how can this be”?  

Does it really matter though? Was God expecting a better response from a mature spiritual man than from an innocent, naïve young girl?  

Perhaps we will never know the answer to our Christmas questions, like other mysteries about God. So ... is it more a matter of truth?  Bottom line - we do not always understand why certain things happen to some people and not to others. The questions continue.

Why does the ‘permissive’ will of God allow tough things to occur without some reasonable rationale?  I remember something that happened in our family a long time ago.  One of my first cousins, a young man in his early 20’s, was murdered. His parents, my aunt and uncle, were (and still are), godly Christian people. Surely they must have asked: why Lord? I don’t know if the answer ever came.

To consider God punishing Zechariah for some character flaw seems highly unlikely and uncharacteristic of God’s nature. Perhaps the better question is: how did Zechariah eventually respond? Jerk reactions seldom reveal our truest self. When we stay with the story, both Zechariah and Mary accept what God revealed to them. They were humbled and trusted God for what they did not understand. 

We will not always reason out our circumstances or find a cause for what God gives to us. It is unlikely we will ever explain why ‘bad things happen to good people’ or why some situations seem unwarranted, unjust, or just plain tough in the moment and we wish it were different. It’s true in the face of enormous global injustice and it can be true in the privacy of our own context. Perhaps the only invitation God gives us is one of deep trust. Trust in His unchanging good nature, His sovereignty to see what we cannot. And His promise that one day all things (public and private) which seem unequal and unfair will be reconciled in a better way. 

God came into the world. “He took on flesh and moved into our neighborhood.” (John 1:12, The Message). He is one with us – in every situation of life. He is not always understood. He is always good.

Ordination and Commissioning Nov. 26.17

Kenya West Commissioning and Ordination of the Joyful Intercessors

One June 25, 1994, Morris and I accepted the declaration to be ordained for sacred service and commissioned for spiritual leadership within The Salvation Army. A vocation of sharing the love of Jesus, helping meet human need, and supporting the Army’s mission in whatever way possible began. It has never failed to amaze me how God chooses ‘the weak things (people) of the world’ to do His eternal business.

This weekend we witnessed 33 others receiving this same charge – to go and be part of what God is doing in the world. To join the fight and stand for what is right, to intercede for others and help make this world the place God intended it to be. To be, as Greg Morgan and Lynette Edge so precisely label it, missional Salvationists.  Now don’t misunderstand me, you do not have to be an ordained Salvation Army officer to fulfill this mandate. We affirm the ‘priesthood of all believers’. The body of Christ is just that – a body, with many parts serving many functions in order for the body to be a healthy, growing organism. There is, however, a specific place for those who feel called and set apart by God to be engaged in full time ministry and that’s what this weekend was about.

It began on Tuesday with Covenant Day. If you are a Facebook friend, you will have seen the picture of the second year Cadets kneeling to sign their Covenant, their bond of commitment to “live to win souls and make their salvation the first priority of their lives”. It was a truly sacred day with meaningful worship and a strong Biblical challenge. It was quite moving to watch these Cadets pray earnestly over the decision they were sealing. (The decision had begun more than two years ago).  The Cadets were fully aware that becoming an Officer in this Territory may present significant personal challenges. The majority of officers do not receive their full salary. If they have children, there is no guarantee they will be able to pay school fees or medical bills. Many serve in remote areas. Travel can be difficult, especially in the rainy season. Many live in semi-permanent homes with no electricity or plumbing.  While this is true for many other locals, it still doesn’t make it easy to engage in spiritual leadership in these circumstances. Yet, they willfully sign the Covenant. That was Tuesday.

On Saturday, we gathered back at the Training College for the honoring of family support, culminating in the presentation of the Order of the Silver Star to parents or other mentors who have provided spiritual and moral support.  The Cadets walked proudly across the grassy field, hand in hand with the two people they had chosen to receive the Silver Star. I thoroughly enjoyed being part of attaching the small pins to the lapels of those who stood side by side with their children. The smile of ‘holy pride’ beamed across their faces and I just knew it was a very special moment. In my heart I reminisced about the day my mother received her pin. I can still see her smile.

Then finally, it was Sunday and the great day had arrived. The Cadets had been in Kakamega very late the night before preparing the University grounds for the momentous occasion. Tents, flags, yellow, red and blue drapery, flowers, staging, and the red carpet were all in place.  Hundreds of Salvationists had come from across the Territory to witness the special ceremony. We were privileged to have Commissioners John and Dorita Wainwright from International Headquarters to join us. Morris and I accompanied the Wainwrights and our Territorial leaders, Commissioners Stephen and Grace Chepkurui, as we stood for the march pass led by the Territorial Band and Songsters. The service began with the first half focusing on the Ordination and Commissioning. The Cadets were introduced one by one as they walked and waved across the large grassy field, obviously very excited about the day!  It wasn’t long before the College Principal presented them as a session to the TC, followed by their Affirmation of Faith which Morris was privileged to lead, and then commissioning.  The ritual was one of reverence as the Cadets knelt to hear the words “I ordain you as a minister of the gospel of Christ and commission you a Salvation Army officer”.  Following the ordination, Commissioner John Wainwright shared a challenge from Matthew 14. Taking the story of Jesus feeding the 5000, he reminded everyone how disciples who follow Jesus understand the needs of the crowd and do something about it. It is a call to stand in the gap for others. To not only intercede in prayer but to engage in meeting the needs of human suffering. The best way to do this is in partnership with Jesus and a reliance on God’s abundance grace and power. Following the message, the Territorial Candidates Secretary gave an appeal to the congregation for others to consider the call of God to ministry and service. Many responded and we prayed for them.

This led us to the second part of the service and the march-in of the new Lieutenants to receive their first appointments. Though the march was a little slower than what I anticipated, it was an exciting moment to watch them approach the TC and discover where in the Territory they would begin their ministry. Many of the Divisional and District leaders were shouting their welcomes to their respective areas. It was finally complete and an eager crowd was ready to greet the newest officers of the Salvation Army world!

After a very long service (nearly five hours), we returned to THQ for a late lunch. As we concluded our meal, the final ‘Hooray’ of the day was to see the new Officers wheeling out their brand new modes of transportation – shiny new bikes! Many thanks go out to the Territories around the world who provide much needed support through this type of practical assistance.

God bless the Joyful Intercessors!!

A few pics to mark the activities.

Tuesday's Silver Star ceremony

Cadets affirm their faith and recite the 11 SA doctrines 

Cadets kneel to be ordained 

And stand to be affirmed by the TC. 

New Officers march in and salute the TC

Great Sessional Moment!

Others responding to the call - much needed. 

And off they go - on their new bikes! 

The Earth Rises

Nov. 15.17

The earth rises again

“Lord of wondrous patience, the earth has risen again, emerging from a darkness in a way it has never quite been before; whirling to a fresh time, an unused space; alive with trembling possibilities, and I with it! Such staggering grace.” (Ted Loder, Guerillas of Grace)

Why do we say ‘sunset’ and ‘sunrise’ when the sun is stationary?  Ted Loder imagines a new day as the earth rising. And why not? It is, after all, the earth that moves (rotates) around the sun.  Perhaps the phraseology isn’t worth a debate.  The miracle is, as Ted captures in his prayer, every 24 hours we have ‘fresh time, an unused space’ and ‘trembling possibilities’.

Sitting quietly in my living room with my first cup of tea, I glimpse the evidence of the fresh time before me.  The earth has tilted just enough for me to see the sun as I contemplate Loder’s prayer.  Choices lay bare before me. How will I use the ‘unused space’ of the day? Would it make any difference? Would the challenges paralyze or motivate the ‘trembling possibilities’ that are mine?

One of the tasks that sometimes least excite me in an administrative role is reading reports.  Four times a year I read through ten reports from each of the 26 Divisions/Districts.  Sometimes, I confess, it’s a little mundane and I would rather be out of my office connecting with people, hearing stories, or planning strategies with a team. But the reports do paint pictures.  Like the Women’s group who moved ‘out of their box’ because not many people were coming to their program. Instead of despairing, they go out into the community to join another group - the WORTH program. Here they mingle with women from various situations who've gathered for some table banking and education opportunities. The women joined the others just to connect, chat, and pray together.  A new possibility lay bare.

In another area, ladies are washing the house of an elderly woman in the community just because there was a need.  Good use of their fresh time that day. Then I learn how some Community Care members assist in constructing a new dwelling for a family who lost their home to a fire. I wondered if it was related to the news we heard a couple months ago.  A man had his boda-boda (motorcycle) allegedly stolen. An escalated response to the crime ended in 26 houses being burned.  Could this have been one of them?

Last weekend Morris and I found ourselves in Turkana. Our second visit to the northern region where weather conditions can be extreme, often creating an inhospitable environment.  During our February trip, the sweltering heat and lack of rain had caused intense drought wreaking havoc for people and livestock.  This month, extensive flooding, happening about once every five years, destroyed several homes with about 200 families displaced. The heavy rains also damaged roads.  The churches were vacant on Sunday because transport was too difficult. We saw some of the affects as we drove around the town.  During our stay, we traveled from the region’s main city, Lodwar, to the rural town of Kalokol to visit one of the corp. The seventy kilometer trip took us two hours. No traffic delays – we passed about a dozen vehicles on the way – but the Land Rover meandered slowly due to the conditions of the terrain, making it easier (and a little fun) to do some off-roading. This road is always quite rough but worsened now with parts of it washed away in sections.

Reaching the corps, we could hear singing and see dancing inside the building. The Salvationists (many children) welcomed us warmly and we were happy to share some greetings with them.  Before having lunch at the quarters, we drove to the outskirts of the town to see Lake Turkana, the world's largest desert lake (about 250 km long) that reaches into Ethiopia. The shoreline was very muddy and without rubber boots to wade through all the puddles, we were deterred from reaching the edge of the lake.  We were fascinated by several boat builders near the lake, taking pride in their hand crafted vessels and mending their nets, indicating the fishing business still held possibilities. We spoke of another seaside where fishermen were mending nets. The Sea of Galilee, not unlike this lake, was the place Jesus envisioned ‘trembling possibilities’ of another kind for those who would follow Him and become fishers of men. While we reminisced, an eager little boy approached us with a handful of very small fish but was quickly told by a local that he wasn’t allowed to keep them. He was sad.

We returned to the corps to share some time with a few of the members. They shared their concerns about the current reality and desired future for the corps. We know there must be ownership at the local level as well as a wider partnership to fill the gaps. There are no easy answers. The trembling possibilities in some of these situations are unpredictable. What are their choices? What are ours? Perhaps each time the earth tilts them and us a new day, we can merge from the darkness together and make the best use of our fresh time and unused space.

Back in Lodwar on Sunday, about 200 Salvationists throughout the district gather for worship. Some had traveled as much as 7 hours over over the rough road to be together with the THQ visitors. Outside the hall when the service was over, a few women robed in their traditional dress and neck decorations posed for a photo with us. I'm not sure what a new day holds for them, but I pray God gives them new courage and the hope of trembling possibilities.

Until the earth rises tomorrow ...

This is the way we wash the house, wash the house, wash the house ...

Off roading

Lake Turkana

Damaged roads, washed out

Ladies in traditional dress and neck gear pose for a pic with THQ guests.

They honored us with some traditional gifts to wear.

Morris also got a walking stick & chair 

A little toss - a big difference

October 02.17

A little toss - a big difference

Allow me to paraphrase an old legend.  Thousands of star fish are swept from the ocean onto sandy dry beaches. Many of them will die. Suddenly one star fish is retrieved and tossed gently back into the water by a young boy. Then another and another.  One by one, a few star fish are salvaged and returned to their wet home.  An onlooker asks the boy, ‘Why would you make such a trivial effort? The disaster is huge. Thousands of fish are dead.  You are wasting your time. How can this make any significant difference?’  The boy looks at the fish in his hand, smiles, and says “It makes a difference for this one.” 

In Kenya, as in many parts of the world, there are countless star fish stories which are no legend. The stark truth illuminates every waking day. It feels like so many people are ‘washed up’ onto dry land, struggling to survive. Poverty is real and affects all areas of life. Basic needs (food, clean water, shelter) are not always easily acquired. Education standards and resources are limited.  Poor road conditions present transportation dilemmas.  Cultural stigmas affect family and community life. How do we tackle such huge giants? What difference can an ordinary person make?

Here are a few snap shots of those who gave ‘a little toss’ to a few star fish this year and made a big difference.

1     A donation of $100US from an anonymous donor provided five rolls of material for the Survivors new sewing group. These women are turning their lives away from prostitution and choosing an admirable way to make a living. They just need a little support.

2    A $200US donation makes it possible for 40 young boys to don new t-shirts. Since sharing this in my last blog, I discovered that these t-shirts actually help protect the boys from being thrown in jail. Because they live on the streets at night, they are often picked up by the police. When the police see them wearing the t-shirts with the SA logo, they know they are part of our program. They believe the boys are trying to make a change in their lives so they leave them alone.

                       

3       A $600CDN donation from two retired school teachers was used to buy sewing machines for a School with children who are deaf and hearing impaired.  The school has a vocational program empowering those with a disability to overcome a stigma that puts a shadow over them. With the support of these new sewing machines, they can learn tailoring skills to make their school uniforms and encourage their dream of one day owning a business.

     

   

      A $2500 donation (combined effort from more than one person) made it possible for one of our corps to purchase much needed flooring tiles for their dirt floor. This corps building is one of hundreds in desperate need of improvements. The people were so happy to gather for worship and actually have a clean surface to walk on.

Corps building before:

Corps building after:

5    Salvationists on the local level also contribute to identified needs. When the staff at the Training College revealed an anxious situation of lack of food for the Cadets, the Women’s Ministry department banned together across the Territory and accumulated many pounds of beans, maize flour, cooking oil, sugar, and other essentials to provide nutrition for those training to become the next spiritual leaders in the country.

 

     

Each of these donations (by one person or several people) doesn’t solve all the problems in Kenya but it sure makes a difference to the ones ‘catching the toss’.   Is that a star fish I see in your hand?